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“My Gracious!” said the Wise-Eyed Rabbit 

[Page 92] 


«t«f Ht>4t><fK< >« >« HTM« KIKIK1MC 




"PZ* 

>Y\ ZA5 


Copyright 

A. C. McClurg & Co. 
1913 


Published November, 1913 



The Ralph Fletcher Seymour Co. 
Fine Arts Bldg., Chicago 















f 

©Cl. A 3 584 2 5 



CONTENTS. 


CONTENTS. 

I. The Enchanted House - 9 

II. The Moon Queen and Her Sister 21 

III. A Legend of Santa Claus 33 

IV. The City of Dreams 45 

Y. The First Easter Lily 53 

VI. The Christmas Angel 61 

VII. A Southern Easter 75 

VIII. Easter and the Rabbits' Eggs - 87 

IX. A Christmas Gift 97 

X. The Merman and the Mermaid - 113 

XI. The King Who Never Smiled - 123 



ILLUSTRATIONS 


Page 


“My Gracious!” Said the Wise-Eyed 

Rabbit Frontispiece 1/ 

Prince Myus and the Princess Astrea .. 26 ^ 


The Angel in the Home 64 / 

“The Queen of the Star Palace Bids 

Me Bring You To Her” 102 


The Musician Who Charmed the Animals. 114 










I 

THE ENCHANTED HOUSE 


TE snow was falling fast. Great 
flakes of it drifted against the win- 
dow pane. What a beautiful sight 
it was, too! But a very discon- 
tented little girl was watching it. 
It certainly was the biggest storm 
Grace had ever seen. Really, it 
made that old story of Mother Goose picking the 
feathers from her chickens quite impossible to be- 
lieve. Grace had had some doubts, any way, of 
its truth lately, and today she was convinced that 
it was a fairy tale invented to amuse small children. 
There simply could not be so many feathers in the 
world ; and, even if there were, no one person could 
pick them all. She was six years old and she was 
quite able to decide some things for herself, and 
this which she saw with her own eyes was surely a 
subject upon which she was able to judge. So that 
question was settled forever. Oh, dear, she was 



9 


The 

Enchanted 

House 


miserable and unhappy today. Everybody talked 
of blessings received and joys of the year because 
today was Thanksgiving. But she could think of 
nothing but her sprained ankle, which caused all her 
disappointment and unhappiness. No toboggan 
slides, no skating on the ice, nothing but an old hot 
room, which made her drowsy. The crisp, cold air 
would send the blood tingling to her cheeks, but she 
had to sit cooped up because of the accident. She 
had nothing to be thankful for; of this she was 
absolutely sure. Even the delicious turkey and 
juicy cranberries with the nice pudding she was 
sure to have for dinner, had no charms. She just 
hated Thanksgiving ! As she said this last aloud 
she was startled by a small voice which said in silver 
tones: “Little Earth maiden, would you like a 
trip to Fairyland with me?” Grace was so sur- 
prised she could hardly answer, and her heart 
pumped violently as she gazed at an exquisite little 
creature standing before her. “Who are you?” 
she said. She knew, of course, it must be a fairy, 
but she asked to be certain. “I,” replied the tiny 
creature, “am one of the many fairies in the world, 
and I have been sent to bring you to my country, 
if you care to go.” “Oh,” promptly replied Grace, 


10 


“indeed I do want to go, but I have a sprained 
ankle and I cannot walk.” “That is not neces- 
sary,” replied the fairy, “and besides, there are no 
troubles in Fairyland, so you must not mind your 
ankle, but if you wish to go, come.” With these 
words, she gently touched the little girl, and at the 
same moment Grace felt herself rise slowly in the 
air. Together they floated through the open win- 
dow and found outside a most charming car with a 
rose velvet cushion and two beautiful swans to draw 
it. They seated themselves within it, and the swans 
rose slowly and floated away. The child felt so 
comfortable, and it all seemed so wonderful that 
she turned to express her delight to her compan- 
ion. The guide smiled as she listened and said, 
“Little Earth maiden, before we go to Fairyland 
I should like you to get a hurried look at your own 
world, to have you see some of the many bless- 
ings people should be thankful for. Many per- 
sons never stop to count or think of all their bless- 
ings, but grumble and complain of a few petty 
troubles.” Grace felt the blood mount to her face 
at these words. She had a guilty feeling that per- 
haps the fairy had seen her discontent and heard 
her words about Thanksgiving. But the fairy was 


The 

Enchanted 

House 


11 


The 

Enchanted 

House 


smiling sweetly, and Grace hoped she had not 
really understood. 

They floated over the big city, covered with its 
soft mantle of snow, but they could see plainly the 
big stores and the large factories, all evidences of 
thrift and prosperity. They were closed today be- 
cause the people were at home resting from employ- 
ment, and happy and rejoicing in their holiday. 
They saw palaces and hovels, rich and poor; but 
they saw most of the rich trying to do their duty 
and giving in generous portions to the unfortunate 
ones. And they found content and peace in the 
poor homes, as well as in the rich. The fairy 
pointed out how love and gentleness and goodness 
made us all equal. Then they floated across moun- 
tains and lovely valleys, and came to the fair green 
Southland. There they saw big cotton fields, and 
long rows of sugar cane (these last with flaunting 
colored leaves like varied ribbons waving in the 
breeze), and witnessed evidences everywhere of 
thriving people with great industries. Busy 
and happy they were, and thankful for their 
manifold blessings. They took note of sadness, 
too, and evil, of course, but the good always over- 
came the bad and the smiles and laughter were more 


12 


frequent than the tears. Great salt mines were seen 
tunneled into caves, and chambers finely cut and 
shining like pure diamonds. Splendid forests, 
beautiful moss-draped trees, and gardens of per- 
petual roses passed before them, and children 
played among the flowers, happy and free, and sun- 
shine poured down from heaven like yellow gold. 
“Are not these blessings enough to earn one Thanks- 
giving day in all the year?” whispered the guide, 
and Grace owned in her heart they surely were. 
But the fairy said though she might spend weeks 
showing the blessings of the earth, she must hasten 
her little charge to Fairyland, as she had promised. 
So they hastened onward, floating upwards to- 
wards the skies. To be so near the sky was very 
thrilling, and Grace watched the stars come out. 
First, one tiny light peeped out — twinkling and 
smiling — then another trembled into view and fin- 
ally a saucy third appeared. Then they rushed out 
pell-mell, so fast Grace could not count them, and 
soon the whole sky was spread with little flashing 
golden points. All this time they were traveling 
to the North. Soon they saw in the distance a 
beautiful lace-like dome; it was a tower of ice over 
an enchanted house and the fairy told Grace that 


The 

Enchanted 

House 


13 


The 

Enchanted 

House 


this palace or house was considered the most pre- 
cious in Fairyland, and it was this particular one 
she desired to show. When they reached it Grace 
was quite dazzled by its magnificence. Great crys- 
tal doors swung open for them to enter, and once 
inside they were surrounded by hundreds of fairies 
who greeted them most cordially. 

Most of the fairies were clad in silver- tissued 
dresses, but some were in the pale blue of the sum- 
mer sky, and others had gold strands embroidered 
on their gowns. And their gossamer wings were 
fine as cobweb, and their sparkling wands flashed 
like diamonds. They were the daintiest little be- 
ings you ever saw, and Grace was enchanted and 
bewildered by the wonderful sight. A splendid 
banquet was soon served on crystal tables in gold 
dishes, and the most delicious food was passed. 
The little Earth maiden was the center of attrac- 
tion, and all the fairies vied in doing her honor. 
But it was getting late and the guide told Grace she 
must soon start on her homeward journey, and 
therefore they arose and excused themselves, be- 
cause Grace was yet to see the most precious pos- 
session in Fairyland. Grace and her companion 
left the fairies feasting in the brilliant banquet 
14 


room, and crossing a court, soon stood within a hall, 
the largest and most magnificent in the universe. 
It was this particular hall the fairy guide had trav- 
eled so far to show her. It was resplendent and 
majestic in appearance, all its columns were of 
solid gold, and all its walls of whitest silver. It 
was large and very spacious, and looking down its 
great length, Grace saw glittering and shimmering, 
and stretching out in endless number, pure golden 
pillars, their gleaming yellow showing in sharp con- 
trast to the shining silver walls. 

She noticed embedded in the silver wall, shining 
jewels — rubies, sapphires, diamonds, and many 
other rare gems flashing fire. Some shone out more 
brilliant than the others, and blazed across the room 
like the sun’s rays. It certainly was a wonderful 
place, and the little girl felt all the awe, and mys- 
tery of her surroundings. “What hall is this?” she 
asked. “We call it Thanksgiving Hall,” replied 
her companion, “because it belongs to all the chil- 
dren of the Earth. When a little child is born into 
the world, the whole world is nicer for it, and peo- 
ple rejoice. A fairy takes charge of it until it 
matures; at the same time we choose a stone, some 
precious ruby, a sapphire or diamond, as the case 
15 


The 

Enchanted 

House 


The 

Enchanted 

House 


may be, and placing it in this hall we watch it as we 
do the child. The good deeds of the little ones on 
the Earth brighten the stone until it shines out 
like a star.” Grace knew then that all these shin- 
ing stones within the walls were children’s lives. 
“Oh, how pretty!” she exclaimed. “But if the 
children are naughty, are indifferent or selfish,” 
said the fairy, “the stone is dulled and loses all its 
beauty.” Grace was silent at these words. “Each 
golden column that you see,” continued her com- 
panion, “represents one year upon the Earth. One 
long and beautiful year, filled with blessings and 
with joys. Days of sunshine after days of rain, 
days of plenty after frugal fare, perhaps days of 
health and happiness after days of watchful sor- 
row. See how rounded and how perfect are the 
columns, and how symmetrical the shapes. You 
ask, How comes it that the columns are so uniform, 
all so much alike? saying, surely each year was dif- 
ferent from the others; surely the sorrows and the 
cares of some outweigh the joys of others. Per- 
haps, if judged by human minds, this may he true, 
but when we fairies came to take the measure of the 
year to cast the golden column for the hall, we 
found the measure always was just the same. The 


16 


year, no matter how it seemed to lack in blessings 
in one part, made up in others, and so the golden 
weight of each whole year was always the same. 
Therefore, when the pillars were cast, they came 
out in marvelous symmetry and all alike. And so 
this hall stands far and wide a model of symmetry 
and grace to illustrate the blessings of the world.” 

Grace was so impressed with all she heard and 
saw, she felt she must ask one more question, but 
fear tightened in her heart. She hesitated for a 
moment and then shyly asked, “May I see my life 
jewel?” The guide crossed the room, and bringing 
back a stone, laid it in her hand. Alas, it was sadly 
dull, no lustre shone from it, hut as Grace’s eyes 
filled with sudden tears the fairy spoke most kindly, 
“I fear, little Earth maiden, you have been selfish 
and thoughtless in your few short years. Planning 
only for your own happiness, taking little heed of 
others.” 

Poor Grace had never realized before just how 
indifferent she had been to others. But her little 
heart was pure, and quickly she looked up and said 
amid her tears, “I shall do better in the future, and 
never will I be so selfish again.” At this she 
handed back the jewel, when, lo! it did not look 


The 

Enchanted 

House 


17 


The 

Enchanted 

Home 


the same. It sparkled and shone in long, bril- 
liant lines of light across the room. “Dear me,” 
asked the child, bewildered, “is this my jewel ?” 
“Yes/’ answered the fairy, smiling, “your unselfish 
intention has already brightened and beautified it. 
See how it sparkles across the room,” and the guide, 
as she spoke, crossed the hall and placed it in the 
wall. Grace stood in silent admiration, in inno- 
cent delight watching its brilliant glitter, when 
suddenly she heard a loud noise like the ringing of 
the door-bell and some one pulled her by the arm, 
saying, “I declare, she has fallen asleep by the open 
window!” Grace opened her eyes to find father 
and mother calling her for dinner. “Where is the 
fairy?” she asked. Her father laughed outright. 
“Why, she is dreaming still,” he said. Dreaming! 
Grace knew better, of course, but her good inten- 
tions were firm to keep her jewel bright and pol- 
ished in Thanksgiving Hall, so she only smiled as 
she lifted her face for her father’s kiss, and in her 
heart intended to go back to Fairyland and the 
Enchanted House at her very first opportunity. 


18 














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II 


THE MOON QUEEN AND HER SISTER 



AM sure all my readers allow 
that the beautiful Thanksgiving 
day is set apart for rejoicing and 
giving thanks for the many bless- 
ings enjoyed in the past year. 
But when you are eating delicious 
, turkey and cranberries and giving- 


thanks for your manifold blessings, do you ever 
once think of being thankful for the sunshine, the 
moonlight, and the glorious stars in the heavens? 
Or for the green trees, and the flowers, and grasses 
on the earth? These beautiful things are all bless- 
ings to mankind, and I think this morning I shall 
tell you a fairy story about the moon and how the 
first moonlight came upon the earth. 

Have you never heard why the moon looks down 
so tenderly and lovingly upon the earth ? The story 
is strange, but really it is a pretty one. They are 
sisters, and they love each other devotedly. 


21 


The 
Moon 
Queen 
and Her 
Sister 


Many, many years ago, when the world was quite 
young (you know, of course, that the earth and 
the moon really never will grow old, but the world 
was young at the time I mention), the moon dwelt 
here with the earth, and a happier pair of sisters 
you could not find. 

The great globe we live upon was equally divided 
into two kingdoms, half for the moon and half for 
the earth, and each sister controlled her own king- 
dom entirely. Now, the sisters were not at all 
alike in appearance. The moon was fair and pale. 
Her form was slender and willowy, and she looked 
like some graceful, tall lily beside her more bril- 
liantly colored sister. 

No greater contrast than the earth queen could 
be imagined. She, too, was supremely beautiful, 
but all was brilliance and sparkle about her. She 
loved the brightest of colors and decked herself in 
green and gold and scarlet. Her glorious brown 
eyes dazzled you with their many lights, and her 
splendid form showed health and vigor in every line. 
Her hair was reddish brown, with golden lights like 
fire-flame. Beside the delicate and ethereal beauty 
of her sister she shone like a gorgeously colored 
poppy. 


22 


It was indeed hard to choose between them. 
They were such different types of beauty, each in 
her way supreme ; but together they were a delight 
to behold, and their affection and devotion for each 
other were marvelous to see. 

The earth queen had never married, preferring a 
joyous, happy independence with eternal youth; 
but the moon queen possessed several children, and 
among them was one favorite son. Having lost 
her husband some years before, she depended 
greatly upon her children for everything. Prince 
Myus, however, was undoubtedly her favorite child; 
as a little fellow she spoiled him dreadfully, and as 
he grew to manhood she could deny him nothing. 

The earth queen often cautioned her sister and 
reasoned with her about giving the young prince all 
he desired. It seemed he had only to want a thing 
to attain it. Now this indulgence was spoiling 
Myus dreadfully. Still, even the earth queen 
looked upon him leniently. He was so handsome, 
so winning, and so loving to mother and aunt that 
they both thought him perfection, and his mother 
openly said she did not believe he would ever want 
a thing unless it was right he should have it ; and so 
he grew to manhood handsome and spoiled. 


The 
Moon 
Queen 
and Her 
Sister 


23 


The 
Moon 
Queen 
and Her 
Sister 


Well, in the early dawn of the world the star peo- 
ple were often the guests of the two queens on 
earth, and a great intimacy existed between the 
sky and the earth. 

Therefore, when the moon invited the daughters 
of the evening star to visit her, the invitation was 
at once accepted. 

The evening star was the father of seven beauti- 
ful maidens, so gloriously beautiful that even in the 
star world they were famous. 

Each evening the seven beauteous maidens would 
rise in the heavens and take their course across the 
starlit world. Their flashing eyes could be seen 
quite plainly, and as their bright and graceful 
forms glided across the blue ceiling overhead, the 
earth people would say, “There go the Seven Sis- 
ters.” Soon after the little maidens arose, their 
royal father, splendid and brilliant, always would 
follow, watching his daughters closely. 

But among them all, he especially cherished the 
little Princess Astrea. Perhaps it was because she 
was the youngest, or because her bright gold hair 
was the brightest, or because her happy laugh was 
the merriest. Whatever the reason, he simply 
adored her. So when he consented to her visiting 


24 


the earth as the moon queen’s guest he begged her 
majesty to watch her as the apple of her eye; and 
the moon queen promised faithfully to do so. 

Well, the star maidens had a joyous visit. They 
were feted and courted and treated with all sorts 
of beautiful attention, and Prince Myus helped his 
mother do the honors of her home. The moon 
queen had begged the prince to be especially tender 
and watchful of the pretty Astrea, telling him how 
precious the little princess was in her father’s eyes, 
and it was with a feeling of pride she noticed how 
conscientiously Prince Myus did watch the little 
Astrea. They never seemed to be apart. 

Alas! it was just this devotion that finally made 
the moon queen unhappy, for after a few weeks 
Prince Myus announced that he had asked Princess 
Astrea to marry him and remain upon the earth 
forever. The consternation of the moon queen 
can be imagined. She was terror-stricken. It was 
such a breach of hospitality for her son to court a 
visitor in her house. 

But Prince Myus, though he realized that all his 
mother said was true, was too used to having his 
own way to consent to give the princess up at her 
request. Besides, he loved her dearly and she re- 
25 


The 
Moon 
Queen 
and Her 
Sister 


The 
Moon 
Queen 
and Her 
Sister 


turned his affection. Still, the young prince was, 
after all, a manly and honorable fellow, though he 
was spoiled, and he comforted his mother as much 
as he could, by telling her he would start at once for 
the evening star’s kingdom and boldly tell the old 
king of his love and demand his beloved Astrea’s 
hand. 

This he did, but alas! no good came of it. The 
evening star raged like a madman and stormed 
awfully. He declared that never would he consent 
to his daughter remaining on the earth, and that if 
she ever married at all it must he some prince of the 
sky near him, and gave orders then and there that 
all the young princesses should return at once to 
their home, and added they should never visit the 
earth again. 

The sad news that Prince Myus had not been 
granted his appeal for Princess Astrea had de- 
pressed the whole of the moon kingdom. But most 
downcast of all was the little Princess Astrea her- 
self. She loved Myus devotedly, and it seemed to 
her she just could not consent to give him up and 
return to the sky world. The moon queen rea- 
soned long with them both and showed them that 
obedience to parents was a strong law and that 


26 



Prince Myus and the Princess Astrea 








Princess Astrea must prepare to leave the moon 
kingdom for her own palace at once. 

At last the day arrived when they must leave 
Moonland. They arose early to say good-by to 
the many friends they had formed, all save the 
Princess Astrea. She could not be found. Search 
the palace as they did, she had completely disap- 
peared, nor could they find Prince Myus either; 
only his little page remained to tell the news that 
the two lovers had married and then fled. 

The trembling page stood before the angry moon 
queen and repeated the prince’s words exactly: 
“Say to mother that all my life she gave me what 
I willed. Is it then to be supposed that what I 
desire most on earth I shall give up easily? The 
Princess Astrea loves me dearly, and now as my 
wife we will hide together until we are forgiven.” 

The moon queen was angry and almost heart- 
broken, and she felt terribly punished for indulging 
her son as she had done. She blamed herself bit- 
terly, and, claiming it was, after all, her own fault, 
she declared she herself would make the expiation 
to the evening star. 

And, sure enough, she went with the six remain- 
ing daughters to Starland, and her beautiful moon- 


The 
Moon 
Queen 
and Her 
Sister 


27 


The 
Moon 
Queen 
and Her 
Sister 


light has shown down from the heavens ever since 
brighter than any star. 

The earth queen was inconsolable and would not 
be comforted. She sat on the borders of the moon 
kingdom and cried all the time. For a long while 
after her sister’s departure nothing interested her; 
she neglected almost entirely her own half of the 
beautiful world and she called herself Enola, which, 
if you read in another way, means “alone.” 

She shed so many tears that the moon queen’s do- 
mains were flooded and gradually formed a great 
ocean, so enormous that it covers one-half the world. 

After a long time, however, the ocean became so 
beautiful, with its many shades of blue and green 
and its splendid white-capped waves dancing in the 
sunlight, that when Enola went there to weep she 
forgot to do so, lost in admiration of the magnifi- 
cent sight before her. Then, too, the moon queen 
talked to her out of her silver palace in the sky and 
comforted her with loving words, and at night when 
the moon’s silver draperies trailed out over the sky 
and the ocean’s sparkling, gleaming waters smiled 
back a glittering reflection, Enola felt almost con- 
soled and reconciled. 

And ever since, the moon always throws her 


28 


charming light by night on the earth, so that in case 
her son and his willful little bride ever wish to come 
from their hiding place they may see and know 
where she is at once ; and she smiles down upon the 
world, firmly believing that some day Myus and 
Astrea, repenting, will come forth seeking their 
parents’ forgiveness. 


The 
Moon 
Queen 
and Her 
Sister 


29 








































































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^ALpgend 
Dp; Santa Gaus 


Ill 


A LEGEND OF SANTA CLAUS 


in the cold Northland where 
>w clad mountains are perpetual, 
1 where rivers fed from their 
it glaciers find their way to the 
., where precipices fall a thou- 
ld feet in a single leap, and 
mg trees tremblingly lean over 
the brink to watch the depths below — dwells a 
wonderful old man, so they say! I cannot tell you 
just how many hundreds of years he has lived, 
but the world knows and loves him well. Some 
say he is a great saint and very wise, and 
that nothing in the world past, present or 
future escapes his eyes. Some say he is no 
saint at all but a jolly, good natured old fel- 
low, with a round red face and kindly eyes; and 
others claim he is a myth and that no one has ever 
seen him. But no matter whether the world takes 
him earnestly or lightly, his power is the same, and 



33 



A Legend it is bound to admit he is the most wonderfully be- 
Sarxta loved character imaginable! The more you hear 
Claus a bout him the more you admire him. The more 
he is discussed and criticised the more mysterious 
he appears. Now can you guess his name? Why 
of course it is Santa Claus — or St. Nicholas — or 
Kris Kringle — whichever you choose to call him! 
Any and all of these names mean the same to this 
delightful giver of happiness to the little children. 

Whether his home is really amid the snows of 
the rock clad mountains, with their black and mel- 
ancholy sides, where the waters pour down in 
streams like fine fleecy wool into seething caul- 
drons, where vapory white mists shoot up from 
ghostly foam below — or whether he dwells in the 
Southland among the orange trees and the honey- 
suckle, where the crepe-myrtle blooms and where 
the sweet scented acacia grows in yellow bunches, 
and where the birds sing a perpetual song — which- 
ever is really his home he lives forever in the hearts 
of all generous-minded people ! And I should like 
to tell you a legend about him today which I’m 
quite sure you have never heard. 

Once upon a time a good and holy man dwelt 
upon the earth. He was young but very wise, and 


34 


therefore he sought happiness in a simple life and 
doing good to others. Little by little he won the 
respect of every one, but gradually he drifted closer 
and closer to the children. So that finally (as they 
learned to love him more and more) he was called 
the children’s friend. They clung to him as though 
he belonged to them alone, and they came to him 
daily for almost everything. No matter what 
their troubles or their joys he comforted and wel- 
comed them. Always sending them away rejoic- 
ing and happy. He was a veritable king in his 
humble dwelling and they his little subjects. 

Time passed. Years slipped by, but his home 
was always open to his youthful friends. He made 
them simple toys — which he fashioned with his own 
hands — and then at last (because he had so many 
friends and gave so bountifully) he trained eight 
beautiful prancing reindeer to draw his sleigh. In 
this way he could distribute his toys more easily 
and quickly. From house to house he went with 
presents. To poor and rich he gave alike without 
distinction, until the children far and near had 
learned to love him and await his coming. Thus he 
lived for many, many years. At first he was a youth 
with golden hair and fine brown beard, and eyes 
35 


A Legend 

of 

Santa 

Claus 


A Legend that flashed like stars. But age changes all upon 
Santa the earth, and so in time his hair and beard were 
Claus sn0 wy white. Yet still his eyes glowed like fine 
jewels showing the purity of his soul. At last (in 
Heaven above) ’twas said his time had come to 
join them there. His allotted years upon the earth 
had been lived most beautifully, and now he richly 
deserved the golden crown awaiting him. His long 
earned rest they felt would be most welcome to him 
and so the angels gladly came upon their errand — 
to tell St. Nicholas the jeweled streets of Heaven 
and all its other glories awaited him. St. Nicholas 
received them as became their rank most kindly 
and respectfully, but with all his wrinkles and his 
whitened beard and hair he was not ready yet to 
taste the joys of Heaven. Old as he was, he still 
was jolly and young in heart and as happy as the 
day was long and — though he did not hold the 
joys of Heaven lightly — he said within himself, 
“What — if I go and seek these great delights — 
what shall I be able to do for the children? Perhaps 
in Heaven’s pleasures I may forget my little earth- 
ly friends. I cannot fashion there their toys, and 
they would miss me if I went.” And so arguing 
thus the queer old man distinctly refused to ac- 


36 


company the angels and accept the joys they A Legend 



offered, urging them to leave him undisturbed upon 
the earth. 


Claus 


Consternation prevailed among the holy throng 
at his determination. Never before had they 
faced such a problem. Always e’er this a saint had 
welcomed their coming, only too glad to lay down 
his burden of life and drop the many cares of the 
world, and go to the delights of Heaven. But this 
queer little old man had argued well upon the sub- 
ject. He did not wish to leave the earth until all 
the children had been gathered safe within the por- 
tals of those golden gates, and that would be the 
end of the world of course. He wished to remain 
and make the children happy until then, and surely 
this was a blessed thought ! The angels themselves 
could not help but admire him for his great love 
of the little ones. And when Santa Claus gravely 
asked them to leave him undisturbed upon the earth, 
they were worried as to what was best to do. 
Finally the old man added solemnly (but his eyes 
twinkled merrily at the time) , “And there are other 
minor matters to detain me here. What for ex- 
ample, shall I do with my reindeer? I cannot find 
it in my heart to leave these faithful creatures, and 


37 


A Legend can I take them into Paradise? Their prancing 
Santa would be awkward among all the holy saints I’m 
Claus sure# Yet I cannot carry my gifts to the children 
without their assistance. No — No — better leave 
me here among all my little friends.” The pre- 
dicament was truly awkward for the angels. But 
they saw at once the wisdom of his words. They 
knew what a terrible commotion it would cause to 
take St. Nicholas into Heaven with the reindeer, 
and also what wailing and crying would come 
among the children of the world at his departure. 
So they promised (though it was most unusual) to 
see what could be done for his case. Back they 
went to Heaven to gain permission for the holy 
man to remain upon the earth. After long and 
lengthy talk it was decided to let Santa Claus have 
his way, but once every year the angels must come 
to offer him again his golden crown, and if 
he chooses at this time to change his mind he may 
return to Heaven with them. However he could 
not remain upon the earth, that much was certain, 
because he would continue to grow old and older, 
and he was old enough already. So it was de- 
termined that he should be placed somewhere ’twixt 
Heaven and earth where he could easily get to 


38 


the children, and where, besides, he would always A Legend 
remain the same in age neither growing older °Santa 
nor younger. They gave him a kingdom of Claus 
his own between Heaven and earth and some day 
I shall tell you of this wonderful kingdom the 
angels found, for it contains many marvels, but 
today I haven’t time. 

Patiently upon the earth St. Nicholas awaited 
the return of the angels. Serene and confident he 
was sure his request to live always would be 
granted, and he continued to fashion wonderful 
toys for the children. And this is why this one 
great saint is so beloved — he refused the joys of 
Heaven until all the children of the earth could 
be gathered there, to share them with him. Every 
year the angels come on Christmas Eve to offer 
him again the entrance to their golden gates, but 
they smile among themselves when the holy man 
refuses to be persuaded, and they in turn beg per- 
mission to help him with his mysterious packages. 

They fill the sleigh with bundles, piling it high with 
toys, and then these bright beings accompany the 
jolly little saint on his rounds. Always are they 
with him on this happy journey. It is a wild race 
from North to South, but with brilliant wings and 


39 


A Legend glowing faces they lead the way. The reindeer 

Santa prance joyfully and follow fast where’er they go. 

Claus Over savage forests and wild countries must they 
travel. Across oceans and scorning the coast they 
glide; over moss-draped trees and sweet scented 
jungles the angels lead the way. For they know 
and love the little children too. It was they, re- 
member, who first announced, amid a cloud of glory 
in brilliant skies, the birth of the infant Jesus. 
It was they who later guarded the sacred manger 
holding the divine baby and His holy Mother; and 
so it comes most naturally to pass that ever since 
that Holy Night, the night our Lord was born, 
the angels come to help St. Nicholas make the chil- 
dren of the earth happy; for since the birth of the 
little infant Jesus, St. Nicholas has chosen that 
date to give away his toys, because the coming 
of the Holy Child was such a joy and blessing to 
the world. And so whether we picture him filling 
the stockings in the beautiful Southland where the 
pine-knot fires burn merrily (more for cheeriness 
than heat), where the lazy alligators sun themselves 
on banks of the silver bayous, where the moss- 
draped oaks stand like splendid giants guarding 
the woodlands, and where the mocking bird sings 


40 


all night in the moonlight, and the white magnolia ^ Legend 
blossoms with their yellow centres peep out in °lanta 
hundreds from the branches of the stately trees; 
where green-eyed, red-tongued lizards slip through 
the grass, hiding from the sleek, chattering squirrels 
stealing pecans, and where the stars shine out of 
a violet colored sky in weird splendor — or whether 
we conjure him in the cold, glittering north, clad 
in red cloak and white ermine, with sparkling snow 
glistening on hair and beard, where the wonder- 
ful glow of the northern lights flit back and forth 
like glittering ghosts in silver and white garments, 
where the lofty mountains white-crowned with ice, 
turn scarlet and flame out like fire in the crimson 
glow of the setting sun — we always see him with 
his prancing reindeer, with his well filled sleigh, 
and his jolly round face crowned with contentment 
and good cheer, bringing happiness to all the little 
ones. Long may he livel 


41 




























































































. 






















































































» 










































































. 














































































































































IV 


THE CITY OF DREAMS 



JBOVE the rim of the towering hills 
a rainbow stretched. All its bril- 
liant colors shone vividly distinct 
and luminous against the darker 
sky. It lay a perfect bow, gleaming 
and sparkling in shimmering splen- 
dor, luring me towards it, calling 
me to seek its far-famed treasures in that golden 
city lying at its base. The fascination of its bril- 
liant curve held me spellbound, and watching it I 
succumbed to temptation and wandered into the 
Land of Enchantment. There the air was soft and 
warm and every leaf on every tree was washed and 
wet, glistening like jewels. There cascades of 
water shot down from great heights splashing into 
beautiful valleys and green meadows below, and 
overhead glorious clouds whiter than snow and 
brighter than polished silver floated across the blue 
sky. I looked wonderingly about me, for every- 


45 


The 
City of 
Dreams 


thing was strange, with a marvelous beauty impos- 
sible to describe. Great mountains stretched away 
towards the setting sun and in their canyons glowed 
piles of shining gold. Silver lakes lay below me, 
transparent and clear as crystal, flashing hack the 
celestial blue of the skies until they look like big 
mirrors. And as I stood dreaming, watching the 
golden sunshine shimmer on the water or flicker on 
the trees, I murmured irresolutely to myself : What 
shall I do? Shall I search further into the mys- 
teries of this beautiful country, or shall I slip back 
into the cold realities of life and never know what 
it contains? As I hesitated I still gazed about me. 
Far in the distance against the sky I saw the tall 
spires of buildings, and gradually my eyes distin- 
guished the outlines of a city, and a shiver like 
quicksilver ran through my blood and I said, “It 
is too late; I must go on and seek knowledge, cost 
what it may.” Soon I stood at the foot of a high 
wall, behind which lay the city with its glimmering 
spires which I had seen, and I knocked boldly, de- 
manding admittance. After a short interval of 
time I could hear heavy bolts thrown hack, and 
presently the great door swung open and I saw a 
tall soldier with a helmet, who said, “Who is it that 


46 


asks admittance to the city of dreams?” And as 
he stood, balancing his sword and gazing at me, I 
struggled for composure and answered him. All 
this time he was looking at me earnestly, as though 
he were trying to read my thoughts ; I suppose my 
manner impressed him favorably, because finally he 
replied: “You are the first mortal to seek our do- 
mains; still, you may enter. But when you cross 
this threshold remember that the laws which govern 
us are love and generosity, and give your oath not 
to abuse them.” In amazement but in all sincerity 
I accepted his strange invitation, and promised I 
would not betray his trust and hospitality. 

As the heavy door closed behind me I found my- 
self in a broad street and looking upon buildings 
which seemed to indicate that the city was a busy 
one. The soldier directing me to follow him ap- 
proached one of the most imposing palaces of the 
group in front of me. As it stood upon a slight 
elevation it was the most conspicuous of all. When 
we reached its gates he bowed and left me in charge 
of a sentinel who told me I would soon be in the 
presence of the King. The sentinel led me up a 
broad stairs into a room magnificently furnished 
and there, bowing low as the first had done, left 


The 
City of 
Dreams 


47 


The 
City of 
Dreams 


me to await the coming of his Majesty. In per- 
fect silence I sat and waited. At last a door opened 
and a queer fat old man with a long white beard 
and snowy hair, but with the most wonderful 
bright blue eyes I ever saw entered. He had the 
j oiliest face imaginable and as he advanced to- 
wards me I saw that he was dressed in brilliant 
red from tip to toe. He extended his hand most 
cordially and as I took it I knew at once who he 
was. His face was too familiar to be mistaken — 
it was King Santa Claus himself! His first words 
w r ere “I am veiy glad to see you but how in the 
world did you ever get here?” After answering his 
question he told me his own history, how after liv- 
ing many years upon the earth it was found impos- 
sible to remain there longer because age would ren- 
der him too feeble to work and so a place was made 
between Heaven and earth where he could live for- 
ever never getting older than he was now. And 
so in this beautiful City of Dreams he fashioned 
toys for all the little children of the world. Then 
calling for his prancing reindeer he showed me all 
the sights of his busy city. Wonderful factories 
for dolls, for toy horses, for sleighs, for tops, for 
engines and cars and for toys of every description; 


AS 


I could never tell you all of the enchanting things 
I saw. One big building looked so much larger 
than the rest that I immediately asked what it was 
and he told me he was glad it had caught my eye 
because it was one of the most important of all. 
It was the postoffice where all the children’s letters 
were received. He said, “when the children write 
to me asking for a present I try always to give 
them what they ask, for I regard them as Christ- 
mas orders and so naturally the postoffice is a very 
important building in this city.” 

It did seem so nice to talk to Santa Claus and 
to visit with him in his own city. His private 
palace is built of finest gold but the roof is purest 
silver and shines white and brilliantly. He calls it 
the Home of Gladness. In the yard grows a won- 
derful tree, and a bird sits in its branches who sees 
everything going on in the world and tells him 
about it. In this way Santa Claus knows all that 
he wants to know. And in this Home of Gladness 
he sits all the year planning new joys for the chil- 
dren; gold and silver surround him, jewels fill his 
chest but he cares not so much for these treasures 
as he does for the smiles of the little ones. Some- 
times people declare he lives in a bewildering scene 


The 
City of 
Dreams 


49 


The of snow where he is crowned with ice drops shin- 
Dreams ing like diamonds, and where the trees glittering 
in long icicles look as though they were dashed with 
fire when the sun shines on them. Sometimes again 
they see him in the soft shimmer of the Southland 
where everything is warm and beautiful, where a 
delicate rose-colored veiling of mist floats, where 
green trees stand clear and straight against the 
blue sky, and where the birds sing perpetually. 
But no matter where we picture him we know that 
with his kindly blue eyes and his jolly good nature 
his warm heart is planning a happy Christmas for 
the children. Of course where I saw him, in the 
City of Dreams, there are bags and bags of gold, 
and the wonderful part about those bags is that if 
you find them you can never empty them. This 
is what makes Santa Claus so rich, and this of 
course enables him to give all the time. If you 
are ever fortunate enough to reach the City of 
Dreams at the end of the rainbow, as I did once, 
you will find all of these wonderful things I have 
told you about, and then I am sure you will agree 
with me that it is the most wonderful place you 
ever saw, and say as I do now — A long life and a 
merry Christmas to Santa Claus! 


50 






























































































































































































































































































y 

THE FIRST EASTER LILY 



TE day was warm, and the sun- 
shine flashing through the oak 
trees in brilliant sparkles danced 
along the ground, while overhead 
the big white magnolia blossoms, 
in their cradle of green leaves, 
smiled so broadly that their yel- 
low centres shone like little golden crowns. 

Tomorrow was Easter! 

Already the skies had a richer tint, and the 
earth, adding hourly to the gorgeous-colored gar- 
ments in which it was arrayed, was ready to come 
forth as Spring. 

The birds, rehearsing their hymns of praise for 
the morrow, fluttered about among the trees, and 
the flowers could hardly wait to bloom out in a 
riotous burst of color ! Great clusters of pink olean- 
ders were rearing their heads proudly from a mass 
of dark green leaves, while across the yard daintily 



53 



The 

First 

Easter 

Lily 


perfumed cape jessamine peeped out, like white 
stars, from their homes in the thick hedges. 

The lawn, stretching away like soft velvet, sloped 
gently down from the handsome red-pillared plan- 
tation house to the white shell road, beyond which 
glittered and sparkled the blue waters of the 
Gulf. 

Five or six children were playing merrily on the 
grass. Their peals of laughter, ringing clear as 
silver bells, made sweet music as they ran about 
hiding the nests for the Easter rabbit’s expected 
visit. 

In every secluded spot one of the nests was put — 
in the shadow of the rose bushes, in the hollow of a 
tree, in the deep foliage of the hedge, and under 
the sharp pointed stem of the sweet-smelling 
acacia. The Easter rabbit would have to hunt out 
these hiding places to put its treasures in, if it 
would please the children. 

In the midst of the happy frolic, Charlton, the 
youngest of the little ones, tiring perhaps of the 
play, stopped suddenly, and slowly sauntered back 
to his mother’s knee. She sat on the broad gallery 
of the mansion, dreamily watching the curling 
waters of the Gulf as they deepened or paled in 


54 


wonderful tints of blue, and floating shoreward in The 
a shimmering mass beat gently upon the hard white Easter 
beach. Lily 

“Mama,” said the child, leaning against her wise- 
eyed and solemn, “what is faith?” 

“Faith, my sweetheart,” replied his mother, 
caressing him, “faith, why, it is trust, perfect 
trust.” 

“Then, mama, if I have faith will God answer 
my prayers?” 

The mother gathered her treasure m her arms 
before replying, and as she kissed him whispered: 

“Yes, my darling, absolute faith will surely 
bring an answer to your prayers, but my little boy 
must be older to understand these things,” and 
she smiled lovingly into his eyes, and the child 
seemed content with her answer. 

But that night, when, tucked in his white bed, 
the mother thought him asleep, Charlton lay 
awake and prayed, prayed that he might see the 
Savior risen, see Him in all the splendor of His 
shining robes of light, and in the innocence of his 
childish heart he believed that the vision would 
come to him. 

Through the open window he caught glimpses 


55 


The 

First 

Easter 

Lily 


of the sky, and in its blue vault shining like a big 
diamond trembled a brilliant star. He could hear 
the soft rustle of the leaves as they stirred beneath 
the breeze floating by, and the air was sweet and 
heavy with the odor of orange blossoms. A long 
time he lay awake. The hours, one after the other, 
struck from the big hall clock down stairs, but 
Charlton lay quiet and expectant. He could not 
sleep until — until — 

What was that sound, so entrancingly beauti- 
ful that he held his breath to listen? It rose and 
fell in delicious cadences, breathing out the joyous 
happiness of innocent life, telling of love and 
peace. The mocking bird was hymning her praises 
to her Maker. Her throbbing notes floated out 
soft and rich in the volume of delicious song, flood- 
ing the mysterious silence of the night with music. 

But what had happened to the star? It had 
grown larger and more brilliant. It glittered and 
sparkled with a strange light, while waves of bril- 
liancy filled the room. Silver and gold, diamonds 
and rubies, mixed together could not have been 
more wonderful in their splendor. Its long rays 
reached down in a clear stream of glory flooding 
the room with brightness, and in the midst floated 


56 


a radiant being so beautiful that the child cried out The 


First 

Easter 

Lily 


aloud, in an ecstasy of delight: 
“Christ has risen!” 


His flowing garments shone like the sun. His 
face was sublime in the majestic beauty of the 
holy pictures, and as He floated on these clouds of 
splendid light He stretched out His arms and 
smiled upon the little child, saying: 

“Suffer little children to come unto me, for of 
such is the kingdom of heaven.” 

Charlton sprang forward to meet the glorious 
vision, but in the instant it had vanished, and he 
heard the voices of his brothers and sisters crying: 

“Christ has risen, Easter is here!” 

Charlton lay back upon his bed. He heard the 
children’s voices mingling in happy talk, and he 
knew they were dressing in haste, eager to seek 
the gorgeous colored eggs the Easter rabbit was 
sure to bring. But he did not stir, he was reluctant 
to join them, and even when later they rushed out 
upon the lawn and peals of delighted laughter told 
of nests filled with red, and purple, and green, and 
yellow splendors, he lay quite still thinking of what 
he had seen. 

When his mother, missing him, found him in his 


57 


The little bed, his arms crept shyly about her throat 
Easter and he softly whispered of his glorious vision. 

Lily Then smilingly he led her to the window and 
pointed to the spot whereon his innocent eyes had 
seen the splendid sight. 

They stood together, awe-struck, to find beneath 
the window a glorious proof of the kingly visit, for 
there imbedded firmly in the earth, was a wonder- 
ful plant with slender stalks, green and tender, 
swaying beneath the weight of a marvelous cluster 
of flowers. A delicate perfume floated up from 
the bright yellow stamens, but they could see that 
the curving petals of the transparent blossom were 
as white as the driven snow. Dainty and graceful, 
this wonderful gift from Paradise, with its strange 
and delicate beauty, held itself proudly, as though 
knowing its royal birth. 

And thus, stately as a young princess, rose the 
first Easter Lily. 


58 

































































































































- 
















VI 

THE CHRISTMAS ANGEL 



E A YEN’S golden gates swung 
wide apart, and through their 
jeweled portals swiftly passed a 
radiant angel ! Cherubim and 

seraphim in white garments shin- 
ing like the sun, watched him as 
he went. He was wondrous to 
behold in all his flashing beauty, for his out- 
stretched wings gleamed brilliantly, and on his 
glowing countenance was the sublime reflection 
of his Master’s face. Slowly he descended. The 
majestic glory of the universe lay all before 
him, and as he flew he saw the skies were spangled 
with the glittering stars. Far below swung the 
moon in gorgeous splendor, like a great silver 
lamp lighting his pathway, gathering all her crys- 
tal rays to spread and make his journey brilliant. 
The angel steadily advanced. Long was the 
way, but well he knew it. Many, many years 



61 


The 

Christmas 

Angel 


had the great King’s Messenger sought this path 
to fill his holy mission, and always with delight. 
The time was nearly Christmas Eve, and God’s 
angel knew that as the dawn broke upon the gleam- 
ing little star (so far below), his feet must tread 
its soil — for that twinkling sky jewel he was rac- 
ing to reach had duties for him which must 
be accomplished ’twixt the dawn of Christmas Eve 
and the ringing of the joyous Christmas bells. He 
was familiar with the earth world and all its 
beauties. Its lofty snow-capped mountains gleamed 
boldly by day, shining in pure white splendor. Its 
silver rivers splashed merrily as they ran, and its 
broad blue oceans glittered like huge turquoises 
when the sun shown down upon them. The fresh 
green grass, the fragrant flowers, and the proud 
waving trees were all a joy to see, while the birds 
in their gay dresses with their thousand notes of 
bewildering music (those rhythmic sounds which 
made perpetual adoration in their song) were 
charming to the eye. A wonderful world it was — 
yet, oh, how much more wonderful, its Creator! 
With what holy joy the angel pondered on these 
mysteries, and on that great and holy night he 
first was sent upon his mission! Hundreds of years 


62 


had gone since that Christmas Eve, yet to him it 
was a second of time. Then he was called because 
a little child would soon be born into the world — 
a kingly child, whose birth for ages had been 
heralded and looked for. Yet the angel was not 
chosen to guard a palace, but an humble stable: 
Upon a bed of straw lay the son of God — the little 
J esus! and by his side that beautiful Virgin Mother, 
(blessed among women) was watching him. 

How strange and wonderful that night. The 
earth was wrapped in silence. Weird and mysteri- 
ous was the hour, the whole world was expectant 
and felt a miracle was near. Suddenly across the 
eastern sky a star arose. But such a star ! Mortal 
pen cannot picture nor mortal tongue describe it. 
All the jewels in the world caught and melted into 
one, would give but faint reflection of its splendor. 
And those magic rays, stretching out far and wide 
in wondrous lines of light, betokened a great event. 
Far spread the glinting rays, until their brilliance 
wrapped about the kneeling figures of three kings ! 
In the lonely desert knelt those three wise men. 
Long had they watched and prayed a sign from 
Heaven — a sign telling them of the birth of Christ, 
their King. When lo, the glory of this wonderful 


The 

Christmas 

Angel 


63 


The star from God hung over them! Bewildered with 
1 Angel joy that the hour had come, they followed its 
glowing light, until in that humble stable they 
found and worshipped the little King; offering him 
gold, and frankincense and myrrh. The angel 
smiled with happiness and held his head more 
proudly erect to know himself the chosen guardian 
of that holy manger. All these thoughts passed in 
review as he neared the earth. Far to the North he 
saw great lights shifting across the sky. Fringing 
curtains of green and gold changing suddenly to 
rose, or deeper still to red, shot up in great feathery 
lines. The Aurora Borealis was in the heavens, 
and its flaming lights were like silken banners flung 
aloft. Nearer the angel floated. The desert now 
was far behind him; the mountains too were dim 
and misty. Lying below r , wrapped in a mantle of 
snow, slept a great city. 

The dawn was here, the time had come. Silently 
the angel folded his wings and trod the earth. 
Yearly at Christmas time when he sought the earth 
people he saw into their hearts, for his was the 
right to touch them softly, making them overflow 
with love and kindness, giving them a joy supreme, 
so that they gave generously. 


64 



The Angel in the Home 





If little children fought and quarreled angrily, 
he went into their midst, and all at once smiles 
and laughter greeted those who heard and saw. 
Again, the miser, hoarding gold, reached out and 
gave in plenty if the angel but grazed his shoulder 
in the passing. The business man (so cold and 
calculating), the woman of the world of fashion 
(frivolous and heartless), the saint, the sinner, all 
alike warmed at the angel’s touch. He made the 
red blood course warmly in their veins, and sud- 
denly their hearts filled with love for all humanity. 
Thus did God’s messenger wend his way, accom- 
plishing his noble work. To rich and poor alike 
he came. For often in the poor man’s home, as 
well as in the palace of the rich, God is forgotten! 

Today the angel’s work was plentiful, and splen- 
didly did he do his duty. Upon the outskirts of 
the town he found a wretched home. The father 
ill, the mother with a new born babe, and a small 
girl of eight. To this last tiny creature belonged 
the task of earning bread. Her daily wage was 
their only defense from starvation. No wonder 
unhappiness and discontent hovered close, but when 
the angel kissed the brave wee heroine, her load of 
trouble lifted and passed away. Then when she 


The 

Christmas 

Angel 


65 


The 

Christmas 

Angel 


in turn pressed her lips to the poor sick mother’s 
brow, the woman’s bitterness of spirit fled and with 
sudden joy she smiled, watching her little daughter 
hurry to the big store to earn their daily bread. So 
entering house after house the angel went his way. 
Upon those content and good he only smiled 
serenely, blessing them and hurried on — they 
needed not his care — but by the sad, the wicked, 
even the indifferent, he stopped always to heal. 

The day was nearly done. The snow wrapped 
city gleaming with the lights of evening was bril- 
liant with a mysterious beauty all its own. 

Suddenly in a palace window the angel saw a 
child. Beautiful as a flower was Elite, the only 
daughter of the house. But on her pretty face was 
most plainly written discontent, and her countenance 
shone hard and cold. The angel looked upon her 
wistfully. She was so young. Here was a little 
soul with all earth had to give. Fond parents, 
wealth, and perfect health were hers, yet on her 
brow the ugliest discontent was stamped. Naught 
pleased or interested the spoiled child, all came so 
easily at her bidding ; nothing was ever desired long 
enough to make it seem worth while. The angel 
watching looked pityingly upon the little girl, and 


66 


pondered long. Was this a case for him to cure? 
He hardly knew, but the child’s wistful eyes 
haunted him. He could not pass her by. She 
seemed the merest baby in her eight short years. 
His heart went out in a great wave of sympathy 
to the little one, so far astray. Slowly he entered 
the palatial house, and drawing near Elite, stooped 
whispering softly one tiny sentence in her ear. Just 
five small words he uttered and kissed the baby 
face, but what a miracle had happened in that 
short time. Elite flushed a rosy, happy color and 
bounding to her mother’s side, showed her sudden 
joy. The mother marvelled at the change in her 
spoiled darling — never before had she seen her list- 
less daughter so radiant, and unmistakably in- 
terested — and, as she pressed the little girl to her 
heart, consented gladly to her earnest request. 

A little later, bundled in rare furs and robes, the 
mother and child gliding in a sleigh, were carried 
to the heart of the big city. Prancing horses, nod- 
ding plumes and jingling bells heralded their ap- 
proach. The white city was gay and resplendent 
with its many Christmas lights. The crisp snow 
glistened like diamonds in the roadway, and its 
white crystals crunched in a sparkling mass be- 
67 


The 

Christmas 

Angel 


The 

Christmas 

Angel 


neath them as they passed. The night was advanc- 
ing, already a starry sky in glorious spangles was 
stretching overhead. The celestial tapestry was 
twinkling in sparkling jewels. The drive was full 
of joy to the two people so earnestly discussing 
their new made plan. In front of the big store the 
prancing horses stopped. It was aglitter with gor- 
geous lights and colors. Thousands of gay shop- 
pers moved hastily in and out. The streets were 
full of people carrying packages and wearing smil- 
ing faces. Eagerly Elite scanned the crowd, evi- 
dently she could not find what she sought. 
“Patience, dearest,” counseled the wise mother, 
but Elite’s tiny heart beat rapidly. What if after 
all she should be disappointed? Her lips quivered 
at the prospect of such shattered hopes. They 
moved closer to the bright window. Suddenly 
Elite clutched her mother’s arm. “See,” she whis- 
pered excitedly, “maybe she might be the one I 
seek.” Her mother nodded assent to her unspoken 
request, and then Elite walked slowly forward 
towards a little girl of about her own age. The 
child so poorly clad, was pale and looked very tired, 
but her eyes watching the window were fixed in 
rapture upon the face of a large doll. That golden- 


68 


haired, blue-eyed treasure was dressed in silk and 
laces, and was surely beautiful with its pink cheeks 
and red lips. To its tiny admirer it seemed the most 
desirable thing on earth. Elite scarcely saw the 
window or the doll, she was too intent watching the 
little stranger. Gently she touched the child’s arm 
and the little one turned to face her. It was the 
wee heroine the angel had seen that morning. For 
a moment the waif seemed dazzled by Elite’s splen- 
dor, and surely with her shining eyes, bright red 
cheeks, and warm, nice furs she looked a princess. 
Small wonder then the poorer child was spellbound 
with admiration. The two children gazed upon 
each other for a moment silently, the one filled 
with eagerness and hope for a well formed plan, 
the other with surprise and wonder at the sight of 
Elite. Then the latter spoke hastily, nodding to- 
wards the gaily colored window, “Would you like 
that doll for your very own?” “Oh,” answered 
the other child, trembling with delight, “y° u surely 
do not mean to give me that!” Yet that was just 
part of the great plan formed by the richer child. 

To Elite it seemed the greatest happiness she 
had known in all her young life, when she laid the 
golden-haired treasure in the little stranger’s arms. 


The 

Christmas 

Angel 


69 


The 

Christmas 

Angel 


Then when warm clothes and food were chosen for 
those in that poor home, and the sleigh was packed 
high with all the bundles to give joy, Elite felt 
quite like Santa Claus. Which child was happier, 
it were hard to say. At last, when tucked in her 
white bed, Elite lay tired (but so content) she 
lifted her face to meet her mother’s good-night 
kiss, and said most solemnly and wisely: “The 
Christmas Angel must have touched me when he 
passed. I am quite sure he stood beside me for I 
heard him say distinctly five nice words. ‘Make 
one poor child happy,’ and every Christmas, 
mother dear, I shall do this thing.” Oh, little chil- 
dren, think of the joy of doing this! “Make one 
poor child happy every Christmas day.” 

Elite was sleeping soundly, content, for her 
good deed was written on her brow. The Christ- 
mas Angel bending over her, preparing for his 
flight to Heaven, smiled happily to see her joy. 
His work upon the earth was done. The midnight 
bells were ringing joyous birthday greeting to the 
little J esus, Saviour of Mankind, and all was peace, 
good will upon the earth. 

Gently the angel unfolded his graceful wings 
and softly he rose towards Heaven. What a glori- 


70 


ous picture the ascent made. Clear against the 
bright blue sky (with all its twinkling jewels) his 
brilliant form was outlined. His moving wings 
flashed sometimes like white silver; again, chang- 
ing in the night, glowed in rainbow colors. Majes- 
tic and bewilderingly beautiful was that flight, and 
as he soared above the world towards the golden 
streets and jeweled palaces of the Eternal One, the 
radiant dawn appeared. Through pearly mists, 
(across steel-blue seas) the yellow shafts of light 
shot spearlike in the sky. A sea-shell pink laced 
all the clouds. This pale-rose color changed slowly 
to orange splendor. Yet but a moment more and 
the bright sun had risen, showering the world with 
gold and scattering his jeweled rays abroad, and 
lo! another Christmas Day was born. 


The 

Christmas 

Angel 


71 
















VII 

A SOUTHERN EASTER 


AR away in a beautiful Southern 
land where the sky is nearly 
always the deep blue tint of the 
ocean, and the sun seems brighter 
than anywhere else in the world, 
dwells the Easter rabbit! Of 
course the Easter rabbit goes 
everywhere to put its colored eggs in its nests, but 
in this land of sunshine and magnolias it loves to 
dwell. There, where the bayous slip in silver 
splashes through acres of rich black soil, where the 
big star-eyed passion flowers border the pretty 
streams, where the tints by day are softened by a 
tender haze, and by night mysterious lights flit 
back and forth through pearly mists lying low over 
the reeds and marshes, there does the pretty rab- 
bit make its home! Perhaps the dreamy stillness 
of these Southern swamps breathes to it of the 
silent desert where it first received its blessing; 



75 



A 

Southern 

Easter 


and ever since that time it has brought joy to the 
hearts of little children. 

That desert so far away the Easter rabbit has 
never forgotten. Near it great feathery palms 
bordered a wonderful flowing river, and on either 
side of those silver waters stretched a strip of green 
like a long lizard, but the desert itself was only yel- 
low sand and rocky hills, barren of even the small- 
est blade of grass. The heavens were always blue, 
and rain never fell from the smiling skies and only 
the shadow of a great pyramid gave a cool shade 
from the glittering yellow lights of day — but in 
that desert once a little Child rested with its holy 
Mother and its foster father — fleeing from a 
wicked king’s wrath. Then it was the rabbit (in 
a moment of curiosity) crossing their path, learned 
to love the child, and the Baby blessed it, holding 
it to its heart in childish pleasure. The rabbit from 
that moment loved all children for this Holy One’s 
sake. 

The Christ Child came to the earth when the 
angels sang in the midnight, and the wonderful 
Star of Bethlehem guided the Magi to the holy 
stable. His coming had been predicted, and the 
world was watching for the birth of a great King. 

76 


Many expected him to appear as an earthly 
monarch, in a blaze of glory — perhaps in a big 
palace, with splendid gardens and shining crystal 
lights; to dress in gorgeous silken garments and 
fine clothes, and with His retinue of servants to 
thrill those who saw Him with His splendor ; final- 
ly to subdue and conquer the whole world. So they 
awaited the great spectacle of these riches, and 
anxiously looked forward to the event of His 
birth. 

But oh how different was the coming! In the 
lowliest and humblest of places was He found. 
A stable was His home, and only those who loved 
and believed could quite understand why He had 
chosen thus to come. Yet the coming of this 
Christ was truly great, for He needed not the 
riches of an earthly king to mark His name. His 
deeds of love and kindness have stamped them- 
selves in perpetual splendor on the world. His life 
stands out more brilliant than all the jewels of 
the universe caught and melted into one, for He 
dwells forever in the hearts of Christians. 

Now when the three wise men hastened to pay 
their homage to the little King born of that saintly 
Blessed Virgin, the wicked monarch Herod sent 


A 

Southern 

Easter 


77 


A 

Southern 

Easter 


for them. He made them promise to return and 
tell him where this Prince of Greatness could be 
found. He too wished to worship at His feet and 
learn wisdom from His lips. So talked the wily 
king, but in his wicked heart he meant to kill the 
little child at once, to murder him as soon as he 
knew positively of his birth. Cruel and wicked 
in all things was this same Herod, and this infam- 
ous desire to murder the Christ Child was only one 
of many evil thoughts. But he made the Magi be- 
lieve his words, and they promised to return and 
tell him. 

But God interfered, and, after they had gone 
a little way, an angel appeared and told them why 
Herod wished to seek the Savior of the world, so • 
they did not return through Herod’s country, and 
never reported to him at all what they had seen. 

All of this only angered Herod the more, for 
jealously he feared the Baby King would prove 
more powerful than he, so he sent his soldiers far 
and wide to seek the news and tell him where the 
Baby was, and each day his hatred grew more in- 
tense and wicked. But the soldiers searched in 
vain — they could not find the child. 

It was at this time an angel came to Joseph and 


78 


told him to take Mary and the Child into Egypt 
and flee before the wrath of the wicked king. They 
were none too soon, for Herod, angry at his in- 
ability to find the Christ Child, ordered every male 
baby in Bethlehem under two years of age slain, 
believing in thus murdering all these innocent chil- 
dren he would be perfectly sure at least to kill the 
infant Jesus. 

Think how terribly the mothers mourned and 
wept for their precious children! Think how awful 
was the desolation in the land! It was a fearful 
crime to slay those innocents, and God punished 
Herod most dreadfully for it. He never had a 
peaceful moment afterward, and all his life that 
terrible scene tormented and haunted him, and 
when death came at last it came in a fearful form. 

Now when the angel told Joseph to take Mary 
and the Child into Egypt, Joseph obeyed at once, 
knowing full well the danger of delay, understand- 
ing that Herod meant to destroy the Babe; so 
quickly taking an ass, he placed the Blessed Virgin 
and the Divine Child upon it, and led the way by 
night out towards the land of Egypt. 

The way was long and dreary, and poor J oseph 
felt the great responsibility of the two dear lives 


A 

Southern 

Easter 


79 


A 

Southern 

Easter 


he had with him. Faithfully he protected them as 
best he could, and carefully he guarded them from 
harm. But there were many fearful inconveniences 
to be met. Mary held the child close to her breast 
to warm and nourish it; but she was frail, for after 
all she was a woman. Her delicate body was unfit 
to meet the strain of such a hurried journey. Worn 
out with fatigue, she could scarcely sit upright 
upon the ass. Nightly they had to sleep upon the 
open ground, and alas! the young woman, ex- 
hausted and faint, shivered upon her cold, hard 
couch, unable to sleep at all. The baby nestling 
in her arms was her only joy and comfort, but she 
feared in her mother’s anxiety. He too might feel 
the chill of their cold bed, so raising her eyes to 
God she begged Him tearfully to comfort and con- 
sole her and make them warm. All that day, sit- 
ting straight upright on the ass, Mary prayed, 
and prayed for relief and warmth that night, so 
she might have courage for her long daily ride. 

The evening hours had come. Long streaks of 
red and gold laced all the sky and colored the desert 
world a rosy pink, then brilliantly the tints deep- 
ened into scarlet, until at last in a flame of glory 
the sun had sunk to rest. Softly the violet shadows 


80 


crept upon the heavens, shading the light to quiet 
grayness, and then, behold, the night was over all! 

They stopped upon the desert, near the out- 
skirts of a cold, wet marsh leading to the sea. The 
dampness and the chill seemed even more penetrat- 
ing than before; yet Mary felt within her that God 
had heard her prayer, and she was comforted. She 
smiled as she kissed her baby’s velvet cheek and 
pressed Him to her. Surely God would protect 
them. She laid her head upon the cold, hard ground 
as though it were the softest bed she knew, and 
presently her beautiful faith was rewarded, for 
at this moment the rabbit crossed their path, and 
creeping close to the Holy Infant, pressed its warm 
furry body against the Child giving both heat and 
comfort. Thus snug and warm the Baby and His 
Mother slept all night in that cold desert, and ever 
after the rabbit loved all children for His sake. 

The Christ Child lived his beautiful life to man- 
hood and died upon the cross to save this sinful 
world, but all the guarding of His tomb by soldiers 
could not prevent His resurrection — Easter morn- 
ing, glorified and beautiful in garments shining 
like the sun, he arose resplendent — and though he 
loved us all, I think he loved the little children 


A 

Southern 

Easter 


81 


A 

Southern 

Easter 


best, for he said “Suffer little children to come unto 
me, for of such is the kingdom of Heaven.” 

Now the Easter rabbit (so my legend runs) 
loves all the children in the world, and each year 
since has brought the pretty colored eggs to make 
them happy. Each clime has its own particular 
way of rejoicing at its visit, but the Southern chil- 
dren build the rabbit’s nests for it, and delight in 
making the pretty creature search them out — and 
though the rabbit never fails to find them, the fun 
of the secret building is too great to be abandoned. 
Under the big trees, beneath the thick hedges and 
rose bushes, through the tall, swaying grass, hid- 
den in mosses, lie the nests. 

Down at a big plantation house where the broad 
galleries are supported by large red-brick pillars, 
and the window shutters are painted a vivid green; 
where looking through the open door one sees 
long rows of umbrella china trees on either side 
the white pebbled walk; where the handsome 
hedges of acacias, with their tiny yellow blossoms 
filling the air with fragrance, line the fences every- 
where ; where the lawn soft and green slopes down 
to the hard, white oyster shell road, and a little 
beyond shimmering in the distance, smiling in bril- 


82 


liant sparkles lies the gulf, there it seems to me 
Easter is the best. Red-throated lizards dart 
through the grass, mocking birds sing in the mag- 
nolia trees, chattering squirrels gather walnuts and 
pecans, and the Easter rabbit, hiding in the old 
marsh, bides its time. All is warm and beautiful 
in this land. Lovely clouds float lazily across blue 
skies, hardly a breath stirs the unruffled waters of 
the bayou, but long yellow beams and golden lights 
quiver in its shining depths. Slowly the night 
gathers, and then slipping out through the evening 
mists, the rabbit seeks its nests. All night it fills 
them with varied colored eggs, piling them high in 
splendor, and then when morning dawns the happy 
children, (mid peals of laughter) seek their trea- 
sures, singing in joyous tones, “Christ has risen — 
blessed be this glorious Easter Morn.” 


A 

Southern 

Easter 


83 





Fastei^And 















































































































































































































































































































































■ 

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VIII 

EASTER AND THE RABBITS’ EGGS 


TE sun poured down in golden rays 
from the bluest of skies. The land 
beneath was clothed in the richest 
of robes and the trees in the bright- 
est of green dresses with the gray 
moss draping them had an air of 
dignity impossible to describe. The 
stretch of green meadow glinted like softest emer- 
ald velvet, and where it met the marsh the long 
lines of rushes swayed and nodded a lazy greeting. 
Everywhere the gaudy Southern flowers smiled in 
glad rejoicing, for nature was at her best at this 
season and the riotous flames of color she flaunted 
was only her way of showing gladness. Today was 
Easter! On the early morning air the joyous bells 
rang out a glorious peal of melody, Christ has risen ! 
Throughout the world that joyful news was spread 
and everywhere the joy was manifest. 

But while the world rejoiced because of this, a 



87 



Easter 
and the 
Rabbits' 
Eggs 


suppressed excitement, too, was evident in the 
smaller creatures of the earth. Why was this ? The 
red-tongued, green-eyed lizards darting through the 
grass showed plainly that they possessed a great 
secret. The chattering birds in the thick foliage 
of the branching trees gave noisy proof of it and 
the lazy alligators floating in the silver waters of 
the shining lagoon evidenced the same fact. It 
was a wonderful day, no one could deny its spell, 
no one could deny that a great thing had happened. 
But I must begin my story. 

A short time before the dawning of this wonder- 
ful Easter morning Natelka the most beautiful of 
fairy queens, had met with a terrible disaster. In 
consternation and distress she called her fairy sub- 
jects to her side and told them of her grief. It 
was no less than this: Her fairy wand, the most 
potent of all her charms, the most wonderful of all 
her treasures, had disappeared. Could she have 
lost it? Had it been stolen? These were the ques- 
tions she asked herself. 

The loss of the crown jewels or of all her wealth 
together would have been as nothing compared to 
this. Because her diamonds, her pearls, her fabu- 
lous jewels and her gold plate could all be replaced, 
88 


but the wand of a fairy is her greatest possession. 
It is the inheritance of royalty, the birthright, and 
once lost it can never be duplicated. Naturally, 
therefore the unhappy Natelka was very miserable 
and sorely distressed. From one end of fairyland 
to the other the news of the disaster spread and 
the search was made to recover it. Alas, jto no pur- 
pose! That glittering symbol of a fairy’s royal 
birth had disappeared completely, leaving no clue 
to trace it. 

Downcast and disconsolate, the unhappy Natel- 
ka wept uncomforted while her faithful subjects 
sought the precious wand far and wide through all 
the realms of fairyland. 

At last, fully convinced it was not to be found 
anywhere in her domain, Natelka sought her faith- 
ful friends upon the earth, urging them to come to 
her assistance and seek her lost treasure. She 
gathered the birds and the insects and the animals 
together, and amid tears told them her sad story. 
In deepest sympathy they listened and at once 
promised their aid, and assuring her they would 
begin their search without delay. At this moment 
a tiny pink-eyed snowball of a rabbit hopped 
clumsily forward and solemnly asked for an exact 


Easter 
and the 
Rabbits' 
Eggs 


89 


Easter 
and the 
Rabbits' 
Eggs 


description of the wand. The other animals shout- 
ed with laughter at the presumption of this comi- 
cal creature, and declared she was too stupid and 
too ignorant to be allowed to search. Even the 
good natured birds preened their feathers con- 
temptuously and said, “We waste time in talking 
to this stupid rabbit.’’ But Natelka thought not 
so, and smiling sadly answered: “No one is too 
lowly to help in a good cause,” and, leaning for- 
ward, answered the question of the rabbit, bidding 
her to help in the search. 

And this glorious Easter morning they were all 
to come back to her and report to the fairy world 
the success or failure of their search. No wonder, 
therefore, that the lizards were excited and running 
about telling the news everywhere. 

One by one the earth creatures came and one by 
one they each and all admitted that they had failed 
to find any trace of the coveted treasure. Miser- 
able and unhappy the fairy queen listened to them. 
Her hopes were utterly dashed by their reports. 
Alas, her wand was gone forever! She must make 
up her mind to bear this great affliction, for never 
again would she have the wonderful power that 
only the fairies possess. 


90 


Suddenly in the distance across the green meadow 
and coming towards the marsh they saw a curious 
sight. It was a tiny mortal. A little girl toddling 
along. She could not be more than three or four 
years old. Close in her arms she carried a rabbit 
that they could see quite plainly, because Bunny’s 
sharp-pointed ears stood up straight, and as she 
came closer they saw the bunny had the pinkest of 
eyes and recognized it as the same little animal 
who had spoken to Natelka the day of her sad con- 
fession. 

Natelka waited breathlessly the approach of the 
little mortal, for of all things on earth she loved 
the little children. When the child drew near she 
lifted her clear blue eyes and looking steadily from 
under her golden curls at the queen, spoke shyly: 
“Oh, beautiful fairy queen, do you not remember 
that one night when you came to see me you laid 
your wand down upon my bed and left it? I 
thought it was a gift you were making me and so 
I kept it hidden and felt with grateful pride you 
had given it to me. But Bunny, to whom I tell 
all my secrets, says it is a mistake and that you 
want it back.” Thus speaking, the little one grave- 
ly drew forth the glittering, jeweled wand from 


Easter 
and the 
Rabbits' 
Eggs 


91 


Easter 
and the 
Rabbits' 
Eggs 


under her cloak and laid it in Natelka’s hand. 
Almost speechless with happiness at the sight of her 
long-lost treasure, Natelka accepted the wand. 
Then she found her voice: “Oh dearest of little 
mortals, you have made me supremely happy by 
restoring my badge of royalty in fairyland. With- 
out it I am shorn of my greatest power and I could 
never give it away. To you it would be of little 
value, for you can only use it in your childish 
years. Once grown it would have no charm for you 
and you would throw it away as a trifling stick. 
But in my hands I shall use it for your happiness, 
for I will never forget my debt to you in bringing 
it back to me when I had despaired of its recovery. 
Your friend the rabbit, too, has my deepest grati- 
tude, for she has been the means of finding it. 
Together you will always be united in my thoughts. 
In gratitude to you both see what you shall find 
each Easter morn in the rabbit’s nest from me.” 
And turning she lifted from the tall marsh reeds 
beside her the rabbit’s nest and handed it to the 
expectant little girl. “Oh!” said the child in pure 
delight as she caught sight of it. “My gracious!” 
said the wise-eyed rabbit, rubbing her eyes in sur- 
prise. For what they saw was a miracle of beauty. 


92 


Great, golden eggs piled high, with red ones and 
blue ones and green ones, too. And purple and 
pink eggs peeped out, and red and lavender ones. 
What a gift of joy for the children! And always 
since that time the rabbit has been the children’s 
friend. And whether it be in the cold Northland, 
where the winters are long and the snow spreads a 
soft, white mantle to cover the ground or whether 
it be in the land of sunshine and magnolias, where 
the crepe myrtle blooms in a glorious pink splendor, 
the rabbit joyously fills her nest with priceless 
treasures on every Easter morning. 


Easter 
and the 
Rabbits* 
Eggs 


93 









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IX 


A CHRISTMAS GIFT 

HERE was a crispness in the air 
suggesting frost, yet it seemed 
more like spring, for the glitter- 
ing skies wore a rich blue tint 
and the sunshine splashed every- 
thing with gold. The garden 
was aflame with color; great clus- 
ters of pink oleanders reared their heads proudly 
from their cradle of green leaves and nodded 
a stately good morning to the world. Blood red 
poppies sprang riotously forth from the earth, 
while the long rows of tall magnolia trees showed 
their creamy blossoms, holding open their white 
chalices to catch the sun. From the great white 
plantation house, with its green shutters and red 
brick pillars, the soft green lawn sloped gently 
down to meet the hard oyster shell road, beyond 
which gleamed and sparkled the blue waters of 
the gulf. 



97 



A 

Christmas 

Gift 


The air was filled with the odor of flowers, the 
yellow acacia, the pink crepe myrtle, the sweet olive 
bloomed abundantly, the birds hovering in the trees 
raised their happy voices in delightful praise of the 
world’s beauties. 

Robbie was only six years old, but as he romped 
about the yard, with Beauty, his big dog, he felt 
very wise. “Beauty,” he whispered, “I have dis- 
covered your secret at last,” and Beauty, barking 
with delight, showed his joy at those words. The 
dog was a splendid animal and almost as large as 
a Newfoundland. He was a setter and pure white, 
save for the tips of his ears and tail, which were 
dyed as black as ink. Robbie adored him, and to- 
gether they shared the pleasures of life. Today, 
however, for the first time, Robbie had learned a 
remarkable thing about Beauty. 

Aunt Hannah, his old colored nurse, down at 
the negro cabin, confided the wonderful secret, and 
Robbie’s childish mind was in an ecstasy of delight 
over it. 

“O, Beauty, if it is only true!” cried the child 
joyously. “If it is really true then tonight I shall 
prove it.” 

Tomorrow was Christmas ! The plantation 


98 


hands were all busy preparing for the great day. 
Robbie could see the negro servants bustling and 
running about the place. No wonder the squirrels 
in the pecan trees chattered loud and quarreled 
angrily; they had difficulty now in finding the 
juicy nuts they were accustomed to steal and hide 
in their nests, because for many days the nuts had 
been picked carefully and put away for tomorrow’s 
feast. Even the red-throated, green-eyed lizards 
seemed excited as they slipped through the grass, 
snapping their scarlet tongues out to catch a pass- 
ing fly. But who would not be excited on Christ- 
mas Eve? 

Big piles of fat pine knots lay gathered on the 
hearths to make brilliant fires. Robbie and Beauty 
had scoured the pine forests helping to. gather them, 
and tomorrow they would blaze in the wide fire- 
places. Already Robbie could see (in imagination) 
the flames leaping up with colors of rubies and 
opals, of diamonds and sapphires, melting together 
as if some magician’s wand had touched them. 
Branches of holly berries decorated the bright man- 
sion in scarlet and green, for tonight Santa Claus 
would come, bringing joy to all the little ones. But 
though Robbie’s heart beat high with visions of 


A 

Christmas 

Gift 


99 


A 

Christmas 

Gift 


toys and a nice fat stocking, his little head was filled 
with the great secret he had just learned from Aunt 
Hannah’s lips. Could it be true? It was too won- 
derful to believe, yet he determined to lie awake 
that night and test its truth, for it was no less than 
this — that Beauty could talk, wonder of wonders! 
Yet Aunt Hannah ought to know; she said between 
the magic hours of twelve and one o’clock all the 
animals in the world had the power of speech ! 

Bobbie could scarcely realize it, but it must be 
true, since Aunt Hannah said it, and Beauty cer- 
tainly seemed wise enough to do anything. Night 
came at last; his stocking hung limp beside the 
chimney, and Robbie, tucked in his white bed, with 
his father’s and mother’s kisses lying soft upon his 
lips, was left alone to slumber. 

But, wise-eyed and solemn, little Robbie lay ex- 
pectant. The hall clock ticked away the hours one 
by one, but he could not sleep. Through the win- 
dow near his bed he watched a star twinkle — how it 
glittered and trembled in the blue heavens, spar- 
kling more brightly than any diamond he had ever 
seen. What a beautiful world that star must be! 
Its long rays streamed down and danced in bril- 
liant sparkles across the window pane. Blinking 


100 


his eyes, he gazed steadily at its silvery white light, 
when suddenly the great hall clock struck midnight. 

At last the magic hour had come! Robbie could 
hardly breathe, his heart beat so rapidly, but he had 
no time to lose; Beauty was expecting him. In his 
warm wrapper and slippers a tiny figure glided 
down the staircase. The fire was still burning 
brightly in the library when Robbie entered and 
before it stood the big white setter wagging his tail 
for joy, but not barking. As Robbie came towards 
him Beauty said quite plainly: “Little Master, you 
are prompt, for midnight is still striking.” “O, 
Beauty,” answered Robbie, sinking on his knees be- 
side his faithful friend and putting his arms around 
his neck, “it is true, then, and you can really talk!” 

“Yes, little Master, once a year I can speak, and 
for one hour only. I spend my whole year planning 
what I shall say during that short hour, but day by 
day I change my precious sentences. One phrase, 
however, I have never altered, and that one is, I 
love you, little master, because you are so kind and 
good to me.” 

“Beauty,” replied Robbie, tenderly hugging him 
closer, “I love you better for these words, and I 
shall never forget them.” 


A 

Christmas 

Gift 


101 


A 

Christmas 

Gift 


Then the dog told the little boy how in a few min- 
utes all the animals would meet and talk together 
just as wisely as the grown people, and Robbie, 
clapping his hands for joy, said: “I must hear the 
horlses.” He felt that as these big animals stamped 
and snorted and reared their heads so proudly 
they were quite sure to be brilliant and full of wis- 
dom in their speech. 

“You shall hear the horses talk if you wish,” an- 
swered Beauty, “but we must hurry to their meeting 
place, little master, and I had almost forgotten to 
tell you that a wonderful privilege is given to you 
tonight also.” 

“To me?” replied Robbie, astonished. “What do 
you mean? What privilege is given to me?” 

“You can visit a star palace tonight and ask its 
queen for any gift within her palace and she cannot 
refuse you. However, if you stay to attend the 
council of the animals you will lose that right, for 
you must see the queen before one o’clock.” 

“But how can I reach the star palace?” continued 
the child. 

“Come,” answered Beauty, “I will show you.” 
And together they passed from the house to the soft 
green lawn outside. There a dazzling sight met 


102 




“The Queen of the Star Palace Bids Me 

Bring You To Her” 































































Robbie’s eyes. He saw the bright, shining star he 
had watched from his little bed, but it had grown so 
large that its rays were bright as the moonlight and 
spread over the whole lawn. As he watched the 
white rays glimmer he saw dancing, in and out of 
its gleaming pathway, a flood of beautiful creatures 
with shining robes and flowing hair. The most 
graceful of these forms wore a pale blue dress and 
on her golden hair lay a gleaming, sparkling crown 
of twinkling diamonds. Her exquisite limbs were 
chiseled like a statue’s, and as she danced in and 
out of the silver rays her diamond crown glittered 
like the stars and the tiny wand she carried in her 
hand flashed flames of red and blue fire. The slen- 
der figures glided and floated about in a novel kind 
of dance, and as they moved they sang sweet songs. 
The boy thought he had never seen anything so 
beautiful and when the entrancing leader, she of the 
blue gown, held out her arms and beckoned to him 
his heart beat high. 

When the dance was finished the lady of the pale 
blue robe approached the child, saying: “Little 
mortal, my mistress, the queen of that star palace 
overhead, bids me bring you to her. Will you 
come?” 


A 

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Gift 


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A 

Christmas 

Gift 


For a moment Robbie hesitated, dismayed — if he 
went with her he could not attend the council of the 
animals, yet he could not bear to refuse her; but 
when he turned to Beauty for advice his faithful 
friend whispered: “I cannot help you, little mas- 
ter, you must choose for yourself.” 

Then she of the azure robe looked tenderly upon 
the little boy, saying: “Come with me,” and the 
child, as he looked upon her beautiful face, felt con- 
fidence in her words and wanted to go with her. 
Y et he could not bear to miss the joy of hearing the 
animals talk. What should he do? 

“Beauty, dearest,” he said, stooping to caress the 
dog, “if I go to the star palace will you promise to 
come for me next Christmas eve? Will you take 
me then to the council of the animals?” And the 
faithful dog promised he would do as the boy 
wished, and Robbie, contented with the answer, rose 
and, while his heart beat high with happiness, placed 
his hand within that of the Star Messenger and he 
felt himself slowly rising with her in the air. The 
golden haired messenger of the Star Queen put her 
arm gently about little Robbie and held him close; 
then, as they rose higher and higher, she told him 
many wonderful things about that magical hour of 


104 


midnight on Christmas eve, the birth hour of our 
Savior! A great change came upon the world; often 
the hardest heart would suddenly melt to kindness ; 
the miser would part with his long-hoarded gold; the 
poor were made happy, for the rich gave gener- 
ously. Throughout the world there always was 
rejoicing when the bells rang out for Christmas 
morning. “There goes Santa Claus now,” she 
called, and, looking down, Robbie beheld a big 
sleigh filled with toys. Eight magnificent reindeer 
carried it flying through the air, and the j oiliest 
man, all bundled in furs, was driving them swiftly 
along. 

Still the Star Messenger and her little charge 
rose higher and higher — trees and mountains lay 
below them, smaller and smaller grew the world, 
rivers seemed tiny lines of silver and oceans but 
brilliant splashes in the distance — through the big 
white clouds they sailed, and higher still, until the 
earth was a big, moving ball below. What a magnifi- 
cent voyage it seemed to youthful Robbie! Closer 
and closer they came to the dazzling star palaces 
hanging like night lamps in the clear blue sky. At 
last they stopped before the shining gates of one 
larger and more beautiful than all the rest. At a 


A 

Christmas 

Gift 


105 


A 

Christmas 

Gift 


touch from the fairy’s wand the jeweled gates 
swung open. As they entered the courtyard thou- 
sands of lights glittered in the palace windows, 
causing a brilliant flood of light to encircle them and 
tinging the palace with the colors of a rainbow. 
The air was soft and scented with the odor of flow- 
ers, though Robbie could not see any. 

When they entered the palace they were immedi- 
ately surrounded by hundreds of beautiful crea- 
tures who resembled his guide, but none of them 
seemed quite so lovely to Robbie. They led him 
into the presence of their queen. The Star Queen 
was clad in silks and laces and also wore a crown of 
tiny stars upon her head. She welcomed the little 
stranger and bade him sit beside her on the throne 
while her maidens brought the wondrous jewels of 
the palace that he might choose some gift to take 
to earth again. “Whatever you wish, little mortal, 
shall be yours tonight,” said the queen. Robbie 
gazed shyly upon her majesty as she spoke, and, 
lovely as she was, he thought his guide more charm- 
ing still. As the child saw the profusion of mag- 
nificent jewels laid before him and the baskets of 
priceless gems the fairies were still bringing towards 
him his honest blue eyes grew troubled. How mag- 


106 


nificent it all was and how generous of the Star 
Queen to let him choose from all these shining heaps 
of costly splendor! Yet his glance did not linger 
upon these fine things strewn about, but sought the 
serene face of the Star Messenger he had learned to 
love. Her smiling countenance answered his implor- 
ing look and gave him courage to ask a great gift of 
the queen. But when he gained heart to name it 
it caused consternation throughout the palace, and 
hundreds of star fairies held their breath and flut- 
tered about in supreme astonishment. He has not 
asked for a single jewel — he did not even notice 
them as they lay in splendid confusion upon the 
floor — but, facing the bewildered queen, he gravely 
demanded as his gift the beautiful messenger who 
had brought him from the earth! 

For a few moments the queen was so surprised 
she could not even answer him, but when, recovering 
from her amazement, she replied, she spoke slowly 
and softly: 

“Little earth child, you have asked a great gift 
at my hands, but it is the law in Starland tonight 
that I can refuse you nothing! The royal princess 
from the stars you have asked for may return with 
you to earth. Make her happy, little earth child; 


A 

Christmas 

Gift 


107 


A 

Christmas 

Gift 


love her always, for she is very dear to us in Star- 
land.” 

So saying, she beckoned to the Star Princess, 
who came slowly forward. Then the queen, taking 
Robbie’s hand, placed it within that of the smiling 
princess — at the same time the queen, stooping over, 
kissed the little fellow’s eyelids. 

It seemed to Robbie but a moment after that he 
heard his father saying: “Why, Robbie, what a lazy 
boy you are ! The sun is streaming across your pil- 
low and it is Christmas morning!” 

“O,” answered Robbie, promptly sitting up, 
“where is my Star Princess?” 

“Your what?” smiled the startled man. 

“Why, the beautiful royal princess I brought 
down from the star palace last night.” 

Robbie’s father laughed softly as he answered: 
“She is in the next room sleeping.” 

“O, please, then take me to her,” echoed the ex- 
cited child. 

“Yes, certainly, my son, you may see her; but 
promise to come quietly.” 

He led the way to the room where Robbie’s beau- 
tiful mother slept, and there, cuddled close in her 
arms, lay the sleeping princess ! 


108 


The royal little lady was very small and looked 
like a pink rosebud against the fine white sheets. 

“But, father, protested Robbie, bewildered, “she 
is not a princess — she is only a little baby.” 

“Yes, she is a baby; but that is the disguise these 
royal princesses assume when they come upon the 
earth,” replied his father, serenely. 

“Will she have blue eyes and long golden hair 
when she gets bigger?” asked Robbie, distrustfully, 
eyeing the tiny morsel before him. 

“I think she will and that she will be beautiful.” 

“Well, then,” gravely continued the little boy, 
watching the chubby pink cheeks of the baby, “I 
think she is the nicest Christmas present we ever 
had, don’t you?” 

“I do, indeed,” replied his father; “and when she 
is older you can tell her about your wonderful visit 
to the star palaces and how you chose a royal prin- 
cess for your sister and brought her dainty lady- 
ship here to gladden our hearts.” 

Then, as Robbie’s mother smiled upon them both, 
the baby stirred and opened her bright eyes and the 
father lifted the little boy that he might kiss the 
royal princess and her mother! 


A 

Christmas 

Gift 


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X 


THE MERMAN AND THE MERMAID 



N GREECE the skies are the blu- 
est of things blue, and the clouds 
are white and fleecy, the high 
mountains are crowned with snow, 
while the sea is like a gleaming 
sapphire in its rich color. This 
beautiful land is filled with ro- 


mance, and the legends of great deeds there still 
thrill the world with enthusiasm. Every little 
town and seaport has its wonderful and ancient 
legend, and many of these stories are as attractive 
as are the glorious temples. 

In mythological lore, elves of light, fairer than 
the sun, were wont to dwell there, and halls of pure 
gold and silver were built for the gods and god- 
desses. Indeed, everything was beautiful to see. 
They, too, had their days of thanksgiving, and once, 
in the long ago, a rich man offered one hundred 
oxen with golden horns as his gift for charity; 


113 



The 
Merman 
and the 
Mermaid 


the proceeds were to be used for the poor. At the 
same time a humble citizen who carried a small 
sack of meal laid his offering timidly down. Yet 
when the priests gathered the gifts together they 
said that the sack of meal was worth more than the 
golden-horned cattle, for it had been earned by the 
sweat of the poor man’s brow and had been harder 
for him to bring than for the rich man to give his 
oxen. So, on this beautiful Thanksgiving morn- 
ing, remember, when you are giving thanks for the 
blessings of the year and giving to the poor — be- 
cause that is really the way to show your gratitude 
for your own blessings — that it isn’t the size of your 
gift alone that makes it valuable, it is the spirit and 
the way in which you give it. 

And now I shall tell you a story of a humble man 
whom the world still talks about, and on Thanks- 
giving Day still feels should be remembered be- 
cause he gave much pleasure to the world, yet who 
did not have a penny to his name. Of course, it is 
only a legend, but it is about a man who really lived 
and I think you will like it. Once upon a time, in a 
far-away country, there lived a musical genius. He 
was very poor, but he soon became famous, for he 
played with a masterly hand, so that people crowded 


114 



f 




The Musician who Charmed the Animals 







































































































































































to hear him. They filled the halls and the theaters 
until at last the places were suffocating and the 
authorities obliged him to play in the open air; no 
theater was large enough to seat the people who 
flocked to hear him. But when he played in the 
streets, wonder of wonders ! even the trees began to 
move in delight ; they nodded their heads and waved 
their branches in appreciation. Then the authori- 
ties, who were really very stupid, got angry and 
said, “This man and his music are a nuisance; even 
the trees and the flowers nod at his approach, and 
we must get rid of him.” So they drove him out of 
the city and the musician was obliged to wander 
farther and farther, and finally he reached the 
woods. There the waterfalls danced and sang in 
accompaniment to his pipe instrument and the birds 
joined in the chorus, singing till their throats 
swelled with the sound. Indeed, wherever he went 
he was followed with delight, because there is noth- 
ing on earth as enjoyable and entrancing as beau- 
tiful music, and this man’s gift was divine. 

He was a very handsome man, with jet black hair 
and clear blue eyes, and he married a lovely girl and 
lived most happily with her, and she went every- 
where with him. But when he was forced to travel 


The 

Merman 
and the 
Mermaid 


115 


The 
Merman 
and the 
Mermaid 


so much he built her a permanent home so that she 
could rest when she felt inclined. This favorite 
home of hers was in a blue grotto under the sea. 
Nothing like it could be found upon the earth. Its 
walls were as blue as indigo and all the rooms and 
corridors were lighted with a mysterious color. Ta- 
bles of pink coral and quantities of pearls were 
spread everywhere, and sapphires, sardonyx, and 
opals were plentiful because, though the man had 
no money himself, he had many good friends and 
the nymphs of the ocean gathered their wealth to 
decorate the palace he built for his charming bride. 
He chose a place near a coral reef, so she could see 
the pink mountains of the sea, which are even more 
beautiful than the mountains on land. Whenever 
he played all the sea nymphs came close to listen, 
for his notes rolled out like cool and refreshing 
waves through golden seas, and peace and content 
entered the hearts of those about him. 

Little by little his music became more talked of 
on the earth, because little by little the people 
learned the great fascination of the silent places he 
sought; and, finally, music lovers, despairing of 
hearing his wonderful notes again in their city 
homes, were obliged to seek him. On the earth they 


116 


always found him in the thick woodlands, and by 
the silver streams they would sit, quietly awaiting 
his pleasure or mood to play. In no other way could 
they hear him, but there, in the beautiful green 
woods, they heard strains of music which they could 
never forget. And they say that he still haunts the 
woods and that if you seek him with patience and 
sit quietly you will hear him lead his wonderful or- 
chestra. And his scholars of the woods are so beau- 
tifully taught that they play almost as well as he. 

The songs that you will hear cannot be described, 
but the glory of the music will make you tingle with 
a strange, sweet ecstasy. At first the silence is pro- 
found; then you will hear a faint trembling in the 
leaves, followed by a wild, sweet melody as they 
sway. Suddenly a bird breaks into song; then an- 
other joins it, and presently a chorus of richest 
sound fills the air. And all the time the wind stir- 
ring the branches above your head forms a low, soft 
accompaniment, and, perhaps, a stream purling and 
rippling with silver notes, beats time. Or a water- 
fall, like a great crescendo, is heard, but the leader 
of this band and all his orchestra are harmony itself. 

And, as he stands flourishing his wand and the 
woods keep time with it, you believe all the weird 


The 

Merman 
and the 
Mermaid 


117 


The 
Merman 
and the 
Mermaid 


stories you have heard of his witchery and his 
charm. I think this must be the real reason we all 
love the woods, the lakes and the rivers, because in 
all these places he is said to dwell. Of course, on 
the sea he has a different name. There they call 
him merman, because he dwells with his beautiful 
mermaid wife. She is bewilderingly lovely, so that 
people who see her are said to lose their minds, as 
they do their hearts, in gazing on her wondrous 
beauty. Fishermen sometimes see her when a thin 
mist hangs over the sea. Then she sits on the sur- 
face of the water, combing her long golden hair as 
she sings, and driving her snow-white cattle to feed 
on the sandy beach. 

And the songs she sings are wonderful, for her 
musical husband has taught her well, and they be- 
witch all who hear them. The fishermen hear her 
sweet voice through the long hours of the luminous 
night and they whisper to themselves: “It is the 
siren of the sea and we must beware of seeing her, 
for if we get too near we will feel the enchantment 
she weaves about her and we will be drawn into the 
net she casts and we will forget home and family, 
and we must avoid her.” So they stop their ears 
to deaden the sound of her entrancing notes. 


118 


The fishermen claim the real home of the musical 
elf and his mermaid wife is at the bottom of the sea, 
and not in the blue grotto at all. They say they 
dwell in a palace of shining gold, and that if you 
watch closely on a dark night you can see sparks of 
fire on the tops of the waves, which are the reflection 
of their shining, golden palace. But, whether they 
live in the shimmering depths of the blue sea or in 
the heart of the wonderful green woods where the 
spreading branches of the trees soften the light of 
the hot sun, or give glimpses of snowy clouds float- 
ing across the blue heavens, it is certainly a pretty 
legend, I think; don’t you? 


The 

Merman 
and the 
Mermaid 


119 





XI 

THE KING WHO NEVER SMILED 


NCE upon a time there lived a 
powerful King who ruled over one 
of the largest kingdoms in the 
world. Kings and nobles knelt 
before him, obeying his slightest 
word. No one disputed his will, 
but all brought him gifts to do him 

homage. 

He accepted it all as his due, for he honestly be- 
lieved himself the greatest of living kings. 

His wife was wonderfully beautiful, his children 
were charming, his palace was magnificent; surely, 
you would have thought him the happiest man alive. 
But, alas! he was not; far from it. He was very 
unhappy. 

For a long time only the Queen guessed his dis- 
content, and she kept his secret. But as time passed 
and his gloom increased the courtiers began to whis- 
per among themselves, and gradually the whole 



123 


The King court learned that something was worrying the 
Never King. During the day he was more cheerful, but 
Smiled towards evening he always grew more and more 
restless, and when darkness approached he was ter- 
ribly depressed. The court planned pleasures to 
distract him ; they hunted or played games all day, 
and had balls and great spectacles to amuse him in 
the evening. But though they prolonged the day 
all they could night had to come and sleep must be 
had. And when the time for separation came the 
King was always despondent, until gradually he 
was spoken of as the man who never smiled. 

The beautiful Queen alone knew the cause of his 
unhappiness, but she evidently could not help him, 
and he was opposed to having the court physician 
called. 

Finally, when he was in a state bordering on 
despair, the King consented to have the wise men 
called in to find out the cause of his ailment. Then 
the learned doctors of medicine found that when- 
ever the King fell asleep he was troubled with the 
most terrible dreams. Dreams so terrible that the 
Queen was obliged to awaken him lest he should die. 
The torment of the dreams made him dread the 
approach of night with a terror he could not exag- 


124 


gerate. The wise men, hearing this, shook their 
heads gravely and, consulting together, prescribed 
medicines. But all their medicines did not relieve 
his torture; no relief came and the unfortunate 
King was getting worse, so that every one felt he 
was about to die. 

The Queen, in despair, felt calamity was upon 
her and her household; and as she truly loved her 
husband she was most unhappy. One night, as she 
sat by his bed holding his hand and wishing she 
could do something to help him, she heard a queer 
sound. Her husband was lying in a stupor of ex- 
haustion from want of sleep and heard nothing. 
The Queen was looking through a window ; her eyes 
were fixed on a twinkling star glittering with a 
splendid light. Below the window were the green 
trees and she could just see their waving branches 
stirring under the faint breeze. The slight sound 
startled her, the long rays from the star seemed to 
shine more brilliantly, and their luminous gleams 
suddenly filled the room. Then in the room close to 
her she saw a beautiful little creature clad in silver 
and white, and falling across her shoulders was long 
golden hair. The Queen was quite overawed. Pres- 
ently the tiny creature spoke, and her voice was like 


The King 
Who 
Never 
Smiled 


125 


The King softly falling water: “Oh, unhappy Queen, all your 
Never wise men an d your learned doctors will not cure 
Smiled y 0U r s j c k husband, for the disease is in his mind and 
not in his body. Within himself lies his only cure. 
Let him look well into his heart. Does he think of 
others ? Does he not accept all and give nothing in 
return? Until he learns to give generously, to make 
others happy, he will never be able to enjoy what he 
has. Until he learns this there will always be bitter- 
ness in his dreams. Tell him he will die unless he 
cures himself.” 

With these words the silver sprite slowly disap- 
peared. The Queen sprang up to detain her, but 
the fairly-like creature floated through the window. 
And even the star had disappeared. The Queen 
hurriedly called the King and told him what she had 
seen. He was greatly astonished, but he was touch 
impressed and it made him very thoughtful. The 
very next day he gave orders that the poor of the 
city should be clothed, the hungry fed, and little by 
little he made many people happy. He visited the 
poor himself and talked with them, and when night 
came he was so tired with the day’s good work that 
he would fall asleep and not waken till morning. 
His health improved, his bad dreams disappeared, 


126 


and he enjoyed a happy life once more. But he 
never forgot the advice of the silver sprite, and al- 
ways on the anniversary of that day publicly gave 
thanks for the blessings he had received. He set this 
special day apart so that he and his people might 
thank the Giver of all things for their blessings, 
and he called the day Thanksgiving. For though 
he never forgot to give much, he also received much. 

The blue sky, the golden sunshine, the lovely 
flowers, the fruits of the earth belong to all, and 
though they are given us with many other bless- 
ings most lavishly, it is only just that in return 
we should be grateful on Thanksgiving, and try in 
every way to make others happy ; try to make them 
rejoice and be thankful, too. 


The King 
Who 
Never 
Smiled 


THE END 










NOV 28 1913 











































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